Roar forced to look at Plan C for goalkeeper

BRISBANE Roar will consider signing an experienced goalkeeper before their do-or-die A-League semi-final against Melbourne Victory on Sunday at AAMI Park to cover for the potential loss of Jamie Young.

Already down a custodian after Michael Theo suffered a season-ending knee injury last Friday night against Western Sydney, the Roar's keeping stocks were further dented when Young cut his elbow on a broken net hook in the club's 3-0 AFC Champions League loss to Muangthong United in Thailand on Wednesday night.

Young crashed into the post in the 37th minute in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Xisco scoring for the hosts, and he was forced off the field, replaced by the Roar's youth team gloveman Tom Bilic.

Roar football director Craig Moore confirmed Young required 26 stitches in the wound, and that the injury would be assessed by a doctor in Melbourne on Friday before a decision about his involvement on Sunday.

Under A-League rules, clubs can sign an uncontracted keeper in an emergency situation at any time during the season.

Moore remained hopeful Young would be fit to play on Sunday, but said the club would consider all its options, including starting with teenager Bilic, if the former England under-20 international was ruled out.

"We'll have more of an idea (today) after Jamie sees a doctor," Moore said.

"Jamie is still very positive about playing on Sunday, and that's great.

"But we'll do what's best for him in terms of his own wellbeing."

The Roar will submit an official complaint, in conjunction with Football Federation, to the Asian Football Confederation about the incident.

Roar managing director Mark Kingsman said Young had suffered an "industrial injury" rather than a "football injury".

"People need to be held accountable for what happened," Kingsman said.

"It's up to the AFC to provide us with a safe working environment. Clearly it wasn't safe.

"The hooks were broken, rusty and razor sharp, as you could see by Jamie's arm.

"And it could have been so much worse. It could have been his eye that hit the hook."

The AFC replied via email on Thursday night to an inquiry made by The Courier-Mail.

"The AFC is aware of the incident and is awaiting the match commissioner's report," the statement said.

"AFC will then consider what action, if any, is required.

"AFC wishes the player involved a speedy and complete recovery from his injury."

The Roar's loss to Muangthong ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.

Brisbane's travelling squad, as well as the host of regulars who didn't make trip to Thailand, arrived in Melbourne on Thursday night to prepare for Sunday's contest.